Why Didn't Sauron Try to Get the Ring Back from Frodo?

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One of the most intriguing aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is the seemingly inexplicable decision by Sauron to not actively pursue the Ring once he realized Frodo was attempting to destroy it. This question has puzzled fans and scholars alike, leading to a variety of theories and discussions over the years.

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The Limited Information Sauron Possessed

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Upon realizing that the One Ring was in the hands of the Hobbits, Sauron's initial reaction might seem surprising. He lacked crucial information, which made his strategy and subsequent actions unclear. From Gollum, Sauron learned of the names "Baggins" and "The Shire," but this information was scant and unhelpful at first.

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Sauron had never heard of the Shire before, dismissing it as a "rural backwater with no strategic or military value." This misconception reflected Sauron's limited knowledge of Middle-earth outside of Mordor, where he had spent the majority of his time. It was not until Gollum's capture and interrogation that Sauron understood the significance of the Shire and its inhabitants.

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Delegation and Mind Control

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Once aware of Frodo's location, Sauron recognized the need for immediate action. He dispatched nine of his Nazg?l to investigate and retrieve the Ring. These were his most trusted servants, not just a single or a pair. Sauron himself remained in barad-d?r, ensuring that he could control the situation from a safe distance. This move demonstrated Sauron's understanding that direct engagement might leave him vulnerable.

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Furthermore, Sauron had already suffered significant losses in the creation and possession of the Ring. He had lost a substantial amount of personal power and had faced numerous challenges, including the potential for an Elf-warrior to overcome him or the sheer numbers of his enemies. The lesson of delegation allowed Sauron to avoid these risks, relying on his Nazg?l to gather information and perform the task.

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The Lapse in Sauron's Knowledge

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It is crucial to understand that Sauron's awareness of Frodo and the Ring's location was late in coming. He did not know where Bilbo had gone or that Bilbo possessed the Ring until after Bilbo had passed it on to Frodo. This delay explains why Sauron did not act sooner to recover the Ring.

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Moreover, Sauron was not well-versed in the geography of the Shire. His past observations of the land were likely based on a different time when there was no Shire. This geographical ignorance meant that Sauron underestimated the potential threat of the Hobbits and the Ring.

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The Disembodied Spirit and Lack of Awareness

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Throughout both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Sauron appeared as a disembodied spirit, relying on his Nazg?l to sense and react to the Ring's presence. This reliance on their reports and abilities meant that Sauron himself was not always aware of the Ring's location or Frodo's movements. It was only through Gollum that Sauron's understanding of the Ring's journey changed dramatically.

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Additionally, Sauron's appearance probably would not have been in his best condition, given his long absence from a physical form. The time he had spent away from Mordor and the influence of the Ring would have left him unshaven and unkempt. However, Sauron's preoccupation with strategy and control meant that his physical appearance was secondary to his tactical and mental powers.

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In conclusion, Sauron's failure to immediately try to retrieve the Ring from Frodo can be attributed to a combination of limited information, strategic caution, and geographical ignorance. These factors delayed his response, allowing Frodo and the Fellowship the precious time needed to take the Ring to Mount Doom and destroy it.

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